Blaze Is Ruled Arson At Attorney's Home Allentown

Fire inspectors have ruled arson caused a blaze that raged for three hours Saturday through an Allentown rowhouse rented by a prominent Northampton County attorney, officials announced yesterday.

The fire, which scorched two second-story rooms inside Anthony Bruneio's 1219 Tilghman St. home, was spotted by neighbors 20 minutes after the attorney left for work.

Though nobody was injured, one 81-year-old woman who lives next door had to be rescued while smoke and water damaged her 1221 Tilghman St. home, officials said. Another residence at 1217 Tilghman St. also had some damage.

According to city property records, the building is owned by Bruce Ferrell of Allentown.

Investigators would not comment on suspects or how the fire was started.